Diaphragm pump method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved method and apparatus in a diaphragm pump of the type including a frame and a motor connected to the frame. A connecting rod is eccentrically mounted at one end upon a drive shaft of the motor and is directly connected at the other end to a flexible pump diaphragm. A fluid housing is connected to the frame and includes a fluid entry port and a fluid exit port. The flexible pump diaphragm is intercalated between the frame and the fluid housing. The improved apparatus includes a tubular wall coaxially positioned within the interior of the housing and defining thereby an inlet chamber within the interior of the tubular wall and an outlet chamber exterior of the tubular wall and circumferentially extending about the inlet chamber. A conduit is provided to place the fluid entry port into fluid communication with the inlet chamber. A valve plate is mounted between the diaphragm and one end of the coaxial tubular wall means and defines a pumping chamber coaxially extending above the inlet and outlet chambers. The valve plate is provided with a plurality of inlet ports above the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports above the outlet chamber. A first valve operably covers the inlet port for permitting fluid to flow from the inlet chamber into the pumping chamber but preventing fluid from flowing from the pumping chamber into the inlet chamber. A second valve operably covers the outlet ports for permitting fluid to flow from the pumping chamber into the outlet chamber but preventing fluid from flowing from the outlet chamber into the pumping chamber. The improved method utilizing the foregoing apparatus includes the steps of drawing fluid into the coaxial inlet chamber and pumping the fluid into the circumferential outlet chamber coaxially disposed about the inlet chamber.

United States Patent [191 Dilworth DIAPHRAGM PUMP METHOD AND APPARATUS[75] inventor: John Lewis Dilworth, Santa Monica,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: McCulloch Corporation, Los

Angeles, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 360,819

2,542,254 2/1951 Lamb 417/471 2,576,200 ll/l95l Von Rotz. 417/5662,833,219 5/1958 Lewis 417/471 2,969,745 l/l96l Johnson 417/5423,291,065 12/1966 Elder et a1. 417/542 3,434,808 3/1969 Pobst, .Ir.417/566 3,462,073 8/1969 Russel1..... 417/566 3,606,597 9/1971 Russell417/566 Primary Examiner-C. J. Husar Assistant Examiner--O. T. SessionsAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis [57] ABSTRACT Animproved method and apparatus in a diaphragm pump of the type includinga frame and a motor connected to the frame. A connecting rod iseccentrically 1 Aug. 19, 1975 mounted at one end upon a drive shaft ofthe motor and is directly connected at the other end to a flexible pumpdiaphragm. A fluidhousing is connected to'the frame and includes a fluidentry port and a fluid exit port. The flexible pump diaphragm isintercalated between the frame and the fluid housing.

The improved apparatus includes a tubular wall coaxially positionedwithin the interior of the housing and defining thereby an inlet chamberwithin the interior of the tubular wall and an outlet chamber exteriorof the tubular wall and circumferentially extending about the inletchamber. A conduit is provided to place the fluid entry port into fluidcommunication with the inlet chamber. A valve plate is mounted betweenthe diaphragm and one end of the coaxial tubular wall means and definesa pumping chamber coaxially extending above the inlet and outletchambers. The valve plate is provided with a plurality of inlet portsabove the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports above the outletchamber. A first valve operably covers the inlet port for permittingfluid to flow from the inlet chamber into the pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from the pumping chamber into the inletchamber. A second valve operably covers the outlet ports for permittingfluid t0 flow from the pumping chamber into the outlet chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from the outlet chamber into the pumpingchamber. The improved method utilizing the foregoing apparatus includesthe steps of drawing fluid into the coaxial inlet chamber and pumpingthe fluid into the circumferential outlet chamber coaxially disposedabout the inlet chamber.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures DIAPHRAGM PUMP METHOD AND APPARATUSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in adiaphragm pump method and apparatus. More particularly, the inventionpertains to improved methods and apparatus within the pumping chamber ofa diaphragm pump.

A continuing demand exists in the pump industry for relatively small,inexpensive fluid pumps of the type which may, for example, beadvantageously utilized in connection with recreational vehicles. Inthis connection, bilge pumps for boats, water pumps for mobile trailers,etc. are generally representative of current industry requirements.

Previously known pump designs operable to be used for recreationalvehicles, etc. frequently entail the use of a small electric motor whichis mounted upon the frame and serves to drive an eccentrically mountedconnecting rod. Theconnecting rod is connected to a flexible diaphragmwhich is intercalated between theframe and a cylindrical fluid housing.The fluid housing is divided into halves by a central diametrical wall.An inlet is fashioned into the housing on one side of the wall and anoutlet is fashioned into the housing on the other side of the wall.Therefore, one of the halves comprises an inlet chamber and the otherhalf comprises an outlet chamber.

A valve plate is mounted on top of the fluid housing and beneath theflexible diaphragm to define a pumping chamber above the inlet andoutlet chambers. The valve plate carries an inlet check valve assemblyabove the inlet chamber and an outlet check valve assembly above theoutlet chamber.

In operation the foregoing briefly described diaphragm pump structureserves to draw fluid into the inlet chamber and pump the fluid over thedimetrical wall into the outlet chamber.

In order to reduce fluid pulsations within the pumping system, hollowdome bladders are mounted at the bottom of the inlet and outletchambers. These bladders serve to flex against closed air pockets toabsorb fluid pulsations.

For a more detailed description of at least one previously knowndiaphragm pump of the type briefly described above, reference may be hadto a Russell U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,597 issued Sept. 20, 1971.

Notwithstanding the advantageous aspects at least theoreticallyattributable to small fluid pumps of the foregoing design, room forsignificant improvement remains. lii this connection, it would be highlydesirable to provide an improved diaphragm pump of increased efficiencyor performance. Further, it would be desirable to provide a simplifiedpump design which is readily manufacturable, easily servicable andcharacterized by long life of the individual components. Still further,it would be highly desirable to provide an improved diaphragm pump wherewater hammer and pressure pulsations within the pumping chamber areeffectively attenuated.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Objects lt is therefore ageneral object of the invention to provide a novel diaphgram pump methodand apparatus which will provide desired results of the type previouslydescribed.

It is a specific object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus wherein the performance or efficiency of thepumping system is facilitated.

It is a related object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus wherein the volume of fluid flow is increasedwithout increasing the exterior size of the fluid housing.

it is a further object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus wherein higher fluid pressures may beaccommodated.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a noveldiaphragm pump method and apparatus wherein the concentricity of pumpinginlet and outlet chambers is maximized with resultant betterdistribution of pumping forces upon a flexible diaphragm.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus wherein water hammer pulsations within theinlet chamber are effectively attenuated.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragm pumpmethod and apparatus wherein pumping fluid pulsations within an outletchamber are effectively attenuated.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus which is compact and relatively simple indesign, easily manufacturable and servicable.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel diaphragmpump method and apparatus wherein the individual fluid chambercomponents including vibration attenuation means exhibit ruggedlong-life characteristics which minimize service requirements to thepump.

Brief Summary to the frame and includes a fluid entry port and a fluidexit port. The flexible pump diaphragm is intercalated between the frameand the fluid housing.

The improved apparatus includes a tubular wall coaxially positionedwithin the interior of the housing and defining thereby an inlet chamberwithin the interior of the tubular wall and an outlet chamber exteriorof the tubular wall and circumferentially extending about the inletchamber. A conduit is provided to place the fluid entry port into fluidcommunication with the inlet chamber. A valve plate is mounted betweenthe diaphragm and one end of the coaxial tubular wall means and definesa pumping chamber coaxially extending above the inlet and outletchambers. The valve plate is provided with a plurality of inlet portsabove the inlet chamber and a plurality of outlet ports above the outletchamber. A first valve operably covers the inlet port for permittingfluid to flow from the inlet chamber into the pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from the pumping chamber into the inletchamber. A second valve operably covers the outlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from the pumping chamber into the outlet chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from the outlet chamber into the pumpingchamber. The improved method utilizing the foregoing apparatus includesthe steps of drawing fluid into the coaxial inlet chamber and pumpingthe fluid into the circumferential outlet chamber coaxially disposedabout the inlet chamber.

THE DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages of the present inven tionwill become apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a small diaphragm fluid pump;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a diaphragm fluid pump including a generallysquare fluid housing having entrance and exit fluid ports;

FIG. 3, note sheet 2, is a partial broken-away end view of the diaphragmpump disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 and particularly illustrates an inletchamber coaxially mounted within a fluid housing and a circumferentialoutlet chamber surrounding the inlet chamber;

FIG. 4, note sheet 3, discloses a cross sectional view taken alongsection line 4-4 in FIG. 2 and illustrates the provision of a pressureswitch tapped into the circumferentially extending outlet chamber;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 55 in FIG. 3and discloses a partially brokenaway plan view of a valve plate mountedwithin the fluid housing;

FIG. 6, note sheet 2, discloses a cross sectional view taken alongsection line 66 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7, note sheetl, discloses an axonometric view of a generallycylindrical elastomeric body composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam which is operable to be positioned within the inlet chamber toattenuate water hammer pulsations within the inlet chamber; and

FIG. 8 discloses an axonometric view of an expanded cylindricalelastomeric sleeve composed of closed cell silicone rubber foam andbeing operable to attenuate fluid pulsations within the outlet chamberof the diaphragm pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Diaphragm Pump Context of the Invention Beforediscussing the improvement aspects of the invention, a brief summary ofthe diaphragm pump context .of the invention will be discussed.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there will beseen a diaphragm type pump 10 including a frame 12 which serves tosupport a small electric motor 14. A connecting rod 16 is eccentricallymounted at one end by a cam 18 which is mounted upon a drive shaft 20 ofthe motor. A generally square fluid housing 22 is connected to a topplate 24 of the frame 12 by the provision of conventional threadedfasteners 26 mounted at each of the corners of the frame. A fluid inletport 28 is fashioned within the housing 22 on one side thereof and afluid exit port 30 is fashioned into the housing 22 on a generallyopposite side thereof. A flexible diaphragm 32, note FIG. 3, isconnected to the other end of the connecting rod 16 by interior andexterior diaphragm discs 34 and 36 and a threaded fastener 40.

Improved Fluid Chamber Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3-6, therewill be seen various views of an improved fluid chamber comprising thesubject matter of the instant invention.

As noted in FIG. 6, the generally square fluid chamber 12 is providedwith a central longitudinally extending axis 42. A tubular cylindricalwall 44 is coaxially positioned with respect to axis 42 within theinterior of the housing 22 and serves to define by the interior surfacethereof a fluid inlet chamber 46.

A second cylindrical tubular wall 48 is coaxially positioned within theinterior of the fluid chamber 22 and is concentrically outwardlypositioned with respect to the wall 44. The annular cylinder between theexterior surface of wall 44 and the interior surface of wall 48 definesa generally cylindrical outlet chamber 50 circumferentially extendingabout the inlet chamber 46.

In order to provide fluid communication between the entry or inlet port28 and the inlet chamber 46, a conduit 52 is fashioned through the wallof the housing 22, through the tubular wall 44, and opens into the inletchamber 46.

A valve plate 54 is mounted upon the upper surface of cylindrical wall44 and a plurality of supporting columns 56 positioned at regularintervals about the inner periphery of wall 48. The valve plate 54 isformed with an inner cup 57 including a cylindrical side wall 58 and abottom plate 60. The cylindrical side wall 58 is coaxially disposed withrespect to axis 42 and upwardly projects into abutting contact with theflexible diaphragm 32. The cylindrical wall 58 serves to pin thediaphragm against the under portion of plate 24 to define coaxiallyabove the inlet and exit chambers a pumping chamber62.

The bottom wall 60 of the cup 56 is fashioned with a plurality of fluidinlet ports 64 having axes which lie upon an imaginary ring coaxiallydisposed with respect to central axis 42. Radially outwardly from theinlet ports 64 are a plurality of outlet ports 66 which lie upon animaginary circle concentrically outwardly disposed with respect to theimaginary circle of the inlet ports (note FIG. 5).

An aperture 68 is fashioned through the center of the valve plate 54 andis operable to receive a mounting stub 70 of an umbrella valve 72. Theumbrella valve 72 is composed of an elastomeric material and serves tooverlie and normally cover each of the inlet ports 64. lying within theconfines of the cylindrical wall 44.

which defines the inlet chamber 46. It will be appreciated that umbrellavalve 72 is in essence an elastomeric check valve in that fluid is freeto flow from the inlet chamber 46 to the pumping chamber 62 but uponpressurization of the pumping chamber 62 the umbrella valve 72 will flexinto sealing abutment above the ports 64 and thus prevent fluid fromentering the inlet chamher.

The valve plate 54 is fitted with a second valve 74 composed of anelastomeric disc or washer which is mounted between a lower portion ofthe valve plate 54 and the upper free end of the cylindrical wall 44 asat 76.

The elastomeric ring 74 like the umbrella valve 72 in essence serves asa check valve in that fluid confined within the pumping chamber 62 willserve to flex the valve 74 downwardly and thus permit the flow of fluidthrough outlet ports 66 peripherally about the inlet chamber 64.However, in the event pressure within the outlet chamber 50 is greaterthan pressure within the pumping chamber 62, the elastomeric valve willflex closed and prevent fluid from flowing from the outlet chamber 50into the pumping chamber 62.

In order to limit the downward flexure of the elastomeric disc valve 74a valve guard or disc 77 is also mounted at the free end of thecylindrical wall 44 and is normally flexed slightly downward to permit anormal flexing of elastomeric valve 74. The guard or backup disc 76 isperferably composed of a metallic material such as, for example,stainless steel, which will exhibit characteristics of long life whileproviding appropriate strength to prevent the elastomeric valve 74 fromoverflexing. In this connection, overflexing of valve 74 may produceexcessive wear at the flexure point 78. Alternatively, the valve mayopen too wide to accommodate rapid osscillations of the pumpingdiaphragm 32.

In order to reduce and attenuate momentum pulsations created within theinlet chamber 46 by the rapid opening and closing of the umbrella valve72, a cylindrical sleeve 80 composed of a volumetrically compressablematerial such as closed cell silicone rubber foam is positioned withinthe interior of the cylindrical inlet chamber 46. The sleeve 80 is cutat one end by a plane lying normal to the axis of the sleeve as at 82and is positioned to abut against the bottom face of the valve plate 54.The other end of the sleeve 82 is cut by an inclined plane (note FIG. 3)such that the longest height of the sleeve 80 abuts against an inwardlyprojecting column 84 which is integrally fashioned with respect tocylindrical wall 44. Column 84 serves to maintain the volumetricallycompressable sleeve 80 in a posture adjacent to the inlet ports 64 andthus facilitate attenuation of water hammer vibration produced by therapid shutting 0f umbrella valve 72.

The shortest height of the sleeve 80 which is diametrically opposed tothe landing column 84 extends above the inlet of the conduit 52 as at 86to enable fluid to freely enter into the inlet chamber 46.

A cylindrical sleeve 88 composed of a fine mesh screen is mountedcoaxially within the inlet chamber 46 and contiguously lies against theinner surface of the elastomeric sleeve 80. The screen 88 provides adual function of removing foreign particles from the flow of fluid intothe inlet chamber 46 and assisting the landing tab 84 in maintaining theelastomeric sleeve 80 in a posture adjacent to the inlet ports 64.

To minimize and attenuate fluid pumping pulsations within the outletchamber a second cylindrical sleeve 89 is positioned within the clinder48. The sleeve 89 lies in a posture contiguous with the inner wall ofthe cylinder 48 and is preferably composed of a volumetricallycompressable elastomer such as closed cell silicone rubber foam. Thesleeve 89 is fashioned with a first aperture 90 operable to bepositioned within the outlet chamber 50 in a posture adjacent to theexit port 30. Therefore, fluid within the outlet chamber may freely flowthrough the sleeve 89 and into the exit port.

The sleeve 89 (not FIG. 8) is evered in a location diameetricallyopposed to the axis of the first port 90 and formed with channels 92 and94. Thus, when the sleeve 89 is curved and placed within the wall 48during assembly of the fluid housing, the cutouts 92 and 94 form agenerally U-shaped recess which is suitable to extend upon either sideof the inlet conduit 52 (note FIG. 6).

In order to control actuation of the motor 44 in accordance with apreferred pressure ratio within the outlet chamber 50 a commercialpressure switch is tapped through the fluid housing and opens through asecond aperture 102 formed within the volumetrically compressable sleeve89. The pressure switch per se does not form a part of the invention andmay be selected from commercially available devices such as, forexample, the 25 PS series KLIXON Precision Pressure Switch manufacturedby Texas Instruments, Inc. at Attleboro, Mass.

The pressure switch 100 is operably connected (not shown) to the motor14 and serves to turn the motor on and off in response to a preselectedrange of pressures such as, for example, 15 to 27 psig.

Operation In operation, once fluid within the outlet chamber 50 fallsbelow the 15 psig the switch 100 will actuate the motor 14 thus drivingthe connecting rod 16 in an upand-down reciprocating mode. The diaphragm32 will accordingly reciprocate to draw fluid through conduit 52 intothe inlet chamber 46. The umbrella check valve 72 opens during theupstroke of the diaphragm 32 within the pumping chamber 62. On eachdownstroke of the diaphragm 32 the elastomeric umbrella valve 72 will besnapped closed and the disc valves 74 will simultaneously open to permitthe fluid to enter outlet chamber 50.

The foregoing process is rapidly repeated so as to provide asubstantially continuous pumping operation until the pressure within theoutlet chamber 50 reaches a preselected maximum such as, for example, 27psig, at which time the pressure switch 100 will turn the motor 14 off.

SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR ADVANTAGES In illustrating and describing theforegoing improvements in a diaphragm pump several novel andadvantageous aspects of the invention have been specifically andinherently disclosed.

A primary advantage provided by the concentric inlet and outlet chambersis the provision of a greater valving area within substantially the sameexterior fluid chamber configuration whereby geater flow rates orefficiency may be achieved without substantially increasing powerrequirements.

Further significant advantages are realized by the provision ofvolumetrically compressable cylindrical sleeves within the inlet andoutlet chambers which serve to attenuate fluid pulsations within thechambers while minimizing the possibility of incidental cracks and thelike resulting in failure of the vibration attenuation system. Anotheradvantage is realized by the cylindrical nature of the outlet or highpressure chamber which permits a build-up of higher fluid pressureswithout unduly stressing the fluid chamber housing members.

Still further, it will be appreciated that the subject improved fluidchamber in a diaphragm pump is compact and simple in design whichfacilitates manufacturing ease and is readily servicable in the event offailures. In this connection, the vibration attenuation sleeves, whilebeing extremely long-lifed, may be readily removed and replaced.Further, the metallic backup ring prevents overstressing of the second,elastomeric check valve.

Although the invention is disclosed with reference to a preferredembodiment it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatadditions, deletions, modifications, substitutions and other changes notspecifically described and illustrated may be made which will fallwithin the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a diaphragm pump including,

a frame means;

a motor connected to said frame means;

a connecting rod eccentrically mounted at one end thereof to a driveshaft of said motor;

fluid housing means mounted upon said frame means, including a fluidentry port, and a fluid exit port; and

flexible pump diaphragm means affixed to said connecting rod at theother end thereof and intercalated between said frame means and saidfluid housing means;

the improvement comprising:

a first cylindrical tubular wall means coaxially positioned within saidhousing means for defining, an inlet chamber within said tubular wallmeans,

and an outlet chamber exterior of said tubular wall and interior of saidfluid housing means, said outlet chamber circumferentially extendingabout said tubular wall means;

a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material positionedwithin said inlet chamber about and disposed in full contact with saidfirst tubular wall means for attenuating fluid pulsations within saidinlet chamber;

a second cylindrical wall concentrically extending radially outwardly ofsaid tubular wall means to de-- fine a concentrically annular fluidoutlet chamber; a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressiblematerial positioned within said outlet chamber contiguously extendingabout said second cylindrical wall for attenuating fluid pulsationswithin said outlet chamber; conduit means extending between and placingin fluid communication said inlet port and said inlet chamber; valveplate means mounted between said diaphragm and one end of said coaxialtubular wall means and defining a pumping chamber coaxially extendingabove said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber, said valve platehaving a plurality of inlet ports communicating between said inletchamber and said pumping chamber, and a plurality of outlet portscommunicating between said pumping chamber and said outlet chamber;first valve means operably covering said inlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from said pumping chamber into said inletchamber;

second valve means operably covering said outlet ing rod will serve toreciprocate said diaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to drawfluid through said conduit means into said inlet chamber, past saidfirst valve means into said pumping chamber, and force fluid from saidpumping chamber past said second valve means into said circumferentialoutlet chamber and out said exit port.

2. An improvement in a diaphragm pump as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within said outletchamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve withinsaid inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam.

3. In a diaphragm pump including,

a frame means;

a motor connected to said frame means; I

a connecting rod eccentrically mounted at one end thereof to a driveshaft of said motor;

fluid housing means mounted upon said frame means, including a fluidentry port, and a fluid exit port; and

flexible pump diaphragm means alffixed to said connecting rod at theother end thereof and intercalated between saidframe means and saidfluid housing means;

the improvement comprising:

a first cylindrical tubular wall means coaxially positioned within saidhousing means for defining an inlet chamber within said firstcylindrical wall means;

a second cylindrical wall means concentrically extending radiallyoutwardly of said first wall means to define a concentrically annularfluid outlet chamber exterior of said first cylindrical wall andinterior of said second cylindrical wall means, said outlet chambercircumferentially extending about said first cylindrical wall means;

a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material lining saidfirst cylindrical wall means within said inlet chamber for attenuatingfluid pulsations within said inlet chamber;

a cylindrical sleeve of volumetricallycompressible material positionedwithin said outlet chamber contiguous about said second cylindrical wallfor attenuatig fluid pulsations within said outlet chamber;

said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within said outletchamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve withinsaid inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam;

a cylindrical filter screen coaxially positioned within said inletchamber in a posture contiguous to and interiorly of said cylindricalsleeve of volumetrically compressible material within said inlet chamberfor supporting said sleeve within said inlet chamber and for filteringforeign matter from fluid entering said inlet chamber;

conduit means extending between and placing in fluid communication saidinlet port and said inlet chamber;

valve plate means mounted between said diaphragm and one end of saidcoaxial tubular wall means and defining a pumping chamber coaxiallyextending above said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber, said valveplate having a plurality of inlet ports communicating between said inletchamber and said pumping chamber, and a plurality of outlet portscommunicating between said pumping chamber and said outlet chamber;first valve means operably covering said inlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from said pumping chamber into said inletchamber; second valve means operably covering said outlet ports forpermitting fluid to flow from said pumping chamber into said outletchamber but preventing fluid from flowing from said outlet chamber intosaid pumping chamber, whereby upon actuation of said motor saideccentric mounted connecting rod will serve to reciprocate saiddiaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to draw fluid through saidconduit means into said inlet chamber, past said first valve means intosaid pumping chamber, and force fluid from said pumping chamber pastsaid second valve means into said circumferential outlet chamber and outsaid exit port; said cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressiblematerial positioned within said inlet chamber is cut at one end by aninclined plane; and a landing column is fashioned within the interior ofsaid inlet chamber in a posture diametrically opposed to said conduitmeans extending into said inlet chamber, whereby the greatest height ofsaid cylindrical sleeve is operable to rest upon said landing column andbe supported thereby while the shortest height of said cylindricalsleeve longitudinally extends above the opening of said conduit meansand wherein said cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressiblematerial is held in a circumferential posture adjacent the inlet portswithin said valve plate. 4. In a diaphragm pump including a frame means;a motor connected to said frame means; a connecting rod eccentricallymounted at one end thereof to a drive shaft of said motor; fluid housingmeans mounted upon said frame means, including a fluid entry port, and afluid exit port; and flexible pump diaphragm means afiixed to saidconnecting rod at the other end thereof and intercalated between saidframe means and said fluid housing means; the improvement comprising:tubular wall means coaxially positioned within said housing means fordefining, an inlet chamber within said tubular wall means, and an outletchamber exterior of said tubular wall and interior of said fluid housingmeans, said outlet chamber circumferentially extending about saidtubular wall means; a sleeve of volumetrically compressible materiallining the interior wall of said tubular wall means for attenuatingfluid pulsations within said inlet chamber;

conduit means extending between said and placing in fluid communicationsaid inlet port and said inlet chamber; valve plate means mountedbetween said diaphragm and one end of said coaxial tubular wall meansand defining a pumping chamber coaxially extending above said inletchamber and said outlet chamber, said valve plate having a plurality ofinlet ports communicating between said inlet chamber and said pumpingchamber, and a plurality of outlet ports communicating between saidpumping chamber and said outlet chamber; first valve means operablycovering said inlet ports for permitting fluid to flow from said inletchamber into said pumping chamber but preventing fluid from flowing fromsaid pumping chamber into said inlet chamber; second valve meansoperably covering said outlet ports for permitting fluid to flow fromsaid pumping chamber into said outlet chamber but preventing fluid fromflowing from said outlet chamber into said pumping chamber, whereby uponactuation of said motor said eccentric mounted connecting rod will serveto reciprocate said diaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to drawfluid through said conduit means into said inlet chamber, past saidfirst valve means into said pumping chamber,and force fluid from saidpumping chamber past said second valve means into said circumferentialoutlet chamber and out said exit port. 5. An improvement in a diaphragmpump as defined in claim 4 and further comprising:

a volumetrically compressible material positioned within said outletchamber for attenuating fluid pulsations within said outlet chamber.

6. An improvement in a diaphragm pump as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within said outletchamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve withinsaid inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam. 7. In a diaphragm pump including, a frame means; a motorconnnected to said frame means; a connecting rod eccentrically mountedat one end thereof to a drive shaft of said motor; fluid housing meansmounted upon said frame means, including a fluid entry port, and a fluidexit port; and flexible pump diaphragm means affixed to said connectingrod at the other end thereof and intercalated between said frame meansand said fluid housing means; the improvement comprising: a firstcylindrical tubular wall means coaxially positioned within said housingmeans for defining, an inlet chamber within said tubular wall means, andan outlet chamber exterior of said tubular wall and interior of saidfluid housing means, said outlet chamber circumferentially extendingabout said tubular wall means; a second cylindrical wall concentricallyextending radially outwardly of said tubular wall means to define aconcentrically annular fluid outlet chamber;

a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material positionedwithin said outlet chamber contiguously extending about said secondcylindrical wall for attenuating fluid pulsations within said outletchamber;

conduit means extending between and placing in fluid communication saidinlet port and said inlet chamber;

valve plate means mounted between said diaphragm and one end of saidcoaxial tubular wall means and defining a pumping chamber coaxiallyextending above said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber, said valveplate having a plurality of inlet ports communicating between said inletchamber and said pumping chamber, and a plurality of outlet portscommunicating between said pumping chamber and said outlet chamber;

first valve means operably covering said inlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from said pumping chamber into said inletchamber;

second valve means operably covering said outlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from said pumping chamber into said outlet chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from said outlet chamber into said pumpingchamber, whereby upon actuation of said motor said eccentric mountedconnecting rod will serve to reciprocate said diaphragm coaxially withsaid inlet chamber to draw fluid through said conduit means into saidinlet chamber, past said first valve means into said pumping chamber,and force fluid from said pumping chamber past said second valve meansinto said circum ferential outlet chamber and out said exit port;

a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material positionedwithin said inlet chamber for attenuating fluid pulsations within saidinlet chamber;

said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within said outletchamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve withinsaid inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam; and

a cylindrical filter screen coaxially positioned within said inletchamber in a posture contiguous to and interiorly of said cylindricalsleeve of volumetrically compressible material within said inlet chamberfor supporting said sleeve within said inlet chamber and for filteringforeign, matter from fluid entering said inlet chamber.

1. In a diaphragm pump including, a frame means; a motor connected tosaid frame means; a connecting rod eccentrically mounted at one endthereof to a drive shaft of said motor; fluid housing means mounted uponsaid frame means, including a fluid entry port, and a fluid exit port;and flexible pump diaphragm means affixed to said connecting rod at theother end thereof and intercalated between said frame means and saidfluid housing means; the improvement comprising: a first cylindricaltubular wall means coaxially positioned within said housing means fordefining, an inlet chamber within said tubular wall means, and an outletchamber exterior of said tubular wall and interior of said fluid housingmeans, said outlet chamber circumferentially extending about saidtubular wall means; a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressiblematerial positioned within said inlet chamber about and disposed in fullcontact with said first tubular wall means for attenuating fluidpulsations within said inlet chamber; a second cylindrical wallconcentrically extending radially outwardly of said tubular wall meansto define a concentrically annular fluid outlet chamber; a cylindricalsleeve of volumetrically compressible material positioned within saidoutlet chamber contiguously extending about said second cylindrical wallfor attenuating fluid pulsations within said outlet chamber; conduitmeans extending between and placing in fluid communication said inletport and said inlet chamber; valve plate means mounted between saiddiaphragm and one end of said coaxial tubular wall means and defining apumpinG chamber coaxially extending above said inlet chamber and saidoutlet chamber, said valve plate having a plurality of inlet portscommunicating between said inlet chamber and said pumping chamber, and aplurality of outlet ports communicating between said pumping chamber andsaid outlet chamber; first valve means operably covering said inletports for permitting fluid to flow from said inlet chamber into saidpumping chamber but preventing fluid from flowing from said pumpingchamber into said inlet chamber; second valve means operably coveringsaid outlet ports for permitting fluid to flow from said pumping chamberinto said outlet chamber but preventing fluid from flowing from saidoutlet chamber into said pumping chamber, whereby upon actuation of saidmotor said eccentric mounted connecting rod will serve to reciprocatesaid diaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to draw fluid throughsaid conduit means into said inlet chamber, past said first valve meansinto said pumping chamber, and force fluid from said pumping chamberpast said second valve means into said circumferential outlet chamberand out said exit port.
 2. An improvement in a diaphragm pump as definedin claim 1 wherein: said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleevewithin said outlet chamber and said volumetrically compressiblecylindrical sleeve within said inlet chamber each are composed of aclosed cell silicone rubber foam.
 3. In a diaphragm pump including, aframe means; a motor connected to said frame means; a connecting rodeccentrically mounted at one end thereof to a drive shaft of said motor;fluid housing means mounted upon said frame means, including a fluidentry port, and a fluid exit port; and flexible pump diaphragm meansaffixed to said connecting rod at the other end thereof and intercalatedbetween said frame means and said fluid housing means; the improvementcomprising: a first cylindrical tubular wall means coaxially positionedwithin said housing means for defining an inlet chamber within saidfirst cylindrical wall means; a second cylindrical wall meansconcentrically extending radially outwardly of said first wall means todefine a concentrically annular fluid outlet chamber exterior of saidfirst cylindrical wall and interior of said second cylindrical wallmeans, said outlet chamber circumferentially extending about said firstcylindrical wall means; a cylindrical sleeve of volumetricallycompressible material lining said first cylindrical wall means withinsaid inlet chamber for attenuating fluid pulsations within said inletchamber; a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible materialpositioned within said outlet chamber contiguous about said secondcylindrical wall for attenuatig fluid pulsations within said outletchamber; said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within saidoutlet chamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleevewithin said inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell siliconerubber foam; a cylindrical filter screen coaxially positioned withinsaid inlet chamber in a posture contiguous to and interiorly of saidcylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material within saidinlet chamber for supporting said sleeve within said inlet chamber andfor filtering foreign matter from fluid entering said inlet chamber;conduit means extending between and placing in fluid communication saidinlet port and said inlet chamber; valve plate means mounted betweensaid diaphragm and one end of said coaxial tubular wall means anddefining a pumping chamber coaxially extending above said inlet chamberand said outlet chamber, said valve plate having a plurality of inletports communicating between said inlet chamber and said pumping chamber,and a plurality of outlet ports communicating between said pumpingchamber and said outlet chamber; first valve means operably coveringsaid inlet ports for permittinG fluid to flow from said inlet chamberinto said pumping chamber but preventing fluid from flowing from saidpumping chamber into said inlet chamber; second valve means operablycovering said outlet ports for permitting fluid to flow from saidpumping chamber into said outlet chamber but preventing fluid fromflowing from said outlet chamber into said pumping chamber, whereby uponactuation of said motor said eccentric mounted connecting rod will serveto reciprocate said diaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to drawfluid through said conduit means into said inlet chamber, past saidfirst valve means into said pumping chamber, and force fluid from saidpumping chamber past said second valve means into said circumferentialoutlet chamber and out said exit port; said cylindrical sleeve ofvolumetrically compressible material positioned within said inletchamber is cut at one end by an inclined plane; and a landing column isfashioned within the interior of said inlet chamber in a posturediametrically opposed to said conduit means extending into said inletchamber, whereby the greatest height of said cylindrical sleeve isoperable to rest upon said landing column and be supported thereby whilethe shortest height of said cylindrical sleeve longitudinally extendsabove the opening of said conduit means and wherein said cylindricalsleeve of volumetrically compressible material is held in acircumferential posture adjacent the inlet ports within said valveplate.
 4. In a diaphragm pump including a frame means; a motor connectedto said frame means; a connecting rod eccentrically mounted at one endthereof to a drive shaft of said motor; fluid housing means mounted uponsaid frame means, including a fluid entry port, and a fluid exit port;and flexible pump diaphragm means affixed to said connecting rod at theother end thereof and intercalated between said frame means and saidfluid housing means; the improvement comprising: tubular wall meanscoaxially positioned within said housing means for defining, an inletchamber within said tubular wall means, and an outlet chamber exteriorof said tubular wall and interior of said fluid housing means, saidoutlet chamber circumferentially extending about said tubular wallmeans; a sleeve of volumetrically compressible material lining theinterior wall of said tubular wall means for attenuating fluidpulsations within said inlet chamber; conduit means extending betweensaid and placing in fluid communication said inlet port and said inletchamber; valve plate means mounted between said diaphragm and one end ofsaid coaxial tubular wall means and defining a pumping chamber coaxiallyextending above said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber, said valveplate having a plurality of inlet ports communicating between said inletchamber and said pumping chamber, and a plurality of outlet portscommunicating between said pumping chamber and said outlet chamber;first valve means operably covering said inlet ports for permittingfluid to flow from said inlet chamber into said pumping chamber butpreventing fluid from flowing from said pumping chamber into said inletchamber; second valve means operably covering said outlet ports forpermitting fluid to flow from said pumping chamber into said outletchamber but preventing fluid from flowing from said outlet chamber intosaid pumping chamber, whereby upon actuation of said motor saideccentric mounted connecting rod will serve to reciprocate saiddiaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber to draw fluid through saidconduit means into said inlet chamber, past said first valve means intosaid pumping chamber, and force fluid from said pumping chamber pastsaid second valve means into said circumferential outlet chamber and outsaid exit port.
 5. An improvement in a diaphragm pump as defined inclaim 4 and further comprising: a volumetrically compressible materialpositioned within said outlet chamber for attenuating fluid pulsationswithin said outlet chamber.
 6. An improvement in a diaphragm pump asdefined in claim 5 wherein: said volumetrically compressible cylindricalsleeve within said outlet chamber and said volumetrically compressiblecylindrical sleeve within said inlet chamber each are composed of aclosed cell silicone rubber foam.
 7. In a diaphragm pump including, aframe means; a motor connnected to said frame means; a connecting rodeccentrically mounted at one end thereof to a drive shaft of said motor;fluid housing means mounted upon said frame means, including a fluidentry port, and a fluid exit port; and flexible pump diaphragm meansaffixed to said connecting rod at the other end thereof and intercalatedbetween said frame means and said fluid housing means; the improvementcomprising: a first cylindrical tubular wall means coaxially positionedwithin said housing means for defining, an inlet chamber within saidtubular wall means, and an outlet chamber exterior of said tubular walland interior of said fluid housing means, said outlet chambercircumferentially extending about said tubular wall means; a secondcylindrical wall concentrically extending radially outwardly of saidtubular wall means to define a concentrically annular fluid outletchamber; a cylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible materialpositioned within said outlet chamber contiguously extending about saidsecond cylindrical wall for attenuating fluid pulsations within saidoutlet chamber; conduit means extending between and placing in fluidcommunication said inlet port and said inlet chamber; valve plate meansmounted between said diaphragm and one end of said coaxial tubular wallmeans and defining a pumping chamber coaxially extending above saidinlet chamber and said outlet chamber, said valve plate having aplurality of inlet ports communicating between said inlet chamber andsaid pumping chamber, and a plurality of outlet ports communicatingbetween said pumping chamber and said outlet chamber; first valve meansoperably covering said inlet ports for permitting fluid to flow fromsaid inlet chamber into said pumping chamber but preventing fluid fromflowing from said pumping chamber into said inlet chamber; second valvemeans operably covering said outlet ports for permitting fluid to flowfrom said pumping chamber into said outlet chamber but preventing fluidfrom flowing from said outlet chamber into said pumping chamber, wherebyupon actuation of said motor said eccentric mounted connecting rod willserve to reciprocate said diaphragm coaxially with said inlet chamber todraw fluid through said conduit means into said inlet chamber, past saidfirst valve means into said pumping chamber, and force fluid from saidpumping chamber past said second valve means into said circumferentialoutlet chamber and out said exit port; a cylindrical sleeve ofvolumetrically compressible material positioned within said inletchamber for attenuating fluid pulsations within said inlet chamber; saidvolumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve within said outletchamber and said volumetrically compressible cylindrical sleeve withinsaid inlet chamber each are composed of a closed cell silicone rubberfoam; and a cylindrical filter screen coaxially positioned within saidinlet chamber in a posture contiguous to and interiorly of saidcylindrical sleeve of volumetrically compressible material within saidinlet chamber for supporting said sleeve within said inlet chamber andfor filtering foreign matter from fluid entering said inlet chamber.